The Civil War raged from 1861-1865. One of the most
important battles was fought at Vicksburg, Mississippi.
General Pemberton commanded the confederate (Rebel) forces
while Ulysses Grant commanded the Union (Yankees).
A defeat of the confederacy at Vicksburg, due to its
strategic position on the Mississippi River, could turn the tide of the war in
the North’s favor.
What is unique about this book is that three children, two
from the South and one from the North, actually wrote memoirs of their
experiences during the siege of Vicksburg.
Lucy McRae and Willie Lord were both children during the
battle. Lucy would watch the battle from
her second floor porch or from Sky Parlor Hill.
Willie Lord’s father was an Episcopalian priest in Vicksburg. Residents
of Vicksburg, including Lucy and Willie, spent days and nights in hastily dug
caves. Lucy was partially buried when a
cave roof fell on her as she slept.
Frederick Grant was only twelve when he accompanied his famous
father, Ulysses S. Grant. Fred was
present at every battle and witnessed the surrender after the 47 day siege to
starve the southern army out of Vicksburg.
He was shot in the leg, suffered a horrific infection- almost losing his
leg. Dysentery and typhoid fever further weakened Fred.
Andrea Warren’s book draws from primary source document
research. With abundant archival photos
and paintings from 1863, this book is easily accessible to young people.
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